Word Origin & History

c.1300. It has the form of one French verb and the meaning of another. The form is Anglo-French aleger, Old French eslegier "to clear at law," from Latin ex- "out of" (see ex-) and litigare "bring suit" (see litigate); however eslegier meant "acquit, clear of charges in a lawsuit." It somehow acquired the meaning of French alléguer, from Latin allegare "send for, bring forth, name, produce in evidence," from ad- "to" (see ad-) + legare "to depute, send" (see legate). Related: Alleged; alleging.

Example Sentences for alleging

Hemingway refused, alleging it to be his duty to ring the bell.

The Man refused it, alleging likewise that this was not his.

Alleging illness as an excuse, he did not appear at recitation that day.

Jean had refused, alleging that he had much to do the night before his departure.

But they do not worship Hercules, alleging as a reason that he ravaged their country.

But the captain who had taken us resisted, alleging his promise to us.

He might have excused himself by alleging that he had done as well as anybody else.

What ground have you for alleging that the soul did not exist in the child?

I can even stay there for a day or two, alleging that I am wearied and worn out.